The Streetcar Suburb

Posted on Feb 1, 2016

Like the West End of Toronto, the North End was mainly a rural area throughout the nineteenth century. It was on the northern fridge of Toronto and it really didn’t start to grow until the early 1900’s as Toronto grew and started stretching up to the north.

Much of the North Ends early growth can be attributed to the early 1900’s when the Yonge Street streetcar line was extended into this area. This lead to much growth in the North End and it became known as the streetcar suburb of Toronto. Many families took up residences here while still working in the downtown core. By the 1940’s, much of the North End had been developed and many affluent families had since moved to this area. In 1973, the Yonge streetcar was replaced by the Yonge subway line and this great addition to the North End ushered in a new era of renewed grow to this part of Toronto.

Today, the North End still remains one of the most affluent areas of Toronto. It is an area full of upscale neighbourhoods, many residential high-rises and boutique shops.